The eight organisations, representing more than 100,000 New Zealanders, are united in calling for stronger protection for New Zealand's remaining wild rivers. There are a finite number of wild rivers left, the groups say. Damming them is irresponsible and short-sighted, especially when there are much more responsible and sustainable options. Energy planning must become more strategic, focusing on efficiency rather than building more dams. The Electricity Commission has said that NZ could make savings of 6400 gigawatt hours a year - equivalent to 20 Mokihinui dams - at less cost than building new electricity generation.